HAVANA, CUBA – Stubby Clapp hit a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth to cap off a Canadian comeback win in which Canada tallied four times in the final frame to beat Puerto Rico 6-5 at the Americas Olympic Qualifier in Havana, Cuba today. After struggling to manufacture offence and with one away and nobody on in the bottom of the ninth inning, Canada loaded the bases on singles from Emerson Frostad, Matt Rogelstad and Mike Saunders. Sebastien Boucher then hit a double down the right field line to bring the Canadians within one run at 5-4, setting the table for Clapp’s heroics. The win puts Canada at 1-1 in the qualifier. Puerto Rico got on the board first in the top-half of the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead behind a walk a double and a base hit allowed by Canadian starter Mike Meyers (London, Ont.). Canada cut that lead in half in the bottom of the second when third baseman Matt Rogelstad drove a base hit to left-centre field to score first baseman Pierre-Luc Laforest (Hull, Qué.) from second base. A lead off walk to Puerto Rican left fielder José Valazquez set the table for a deep drive to left by José Leon that carried over the wall for a homerun and a 4-1 Puerto Rico lead. Canada again managed to cut the lead in half the following inning and Laforest was at it again. After Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) drew a lead-off walk, Laforest doubled to the gap in right, setting up an RBI ground out from Rogelstad to score Ware, 4-2 Puerto Rico. Wither runners on the corners and only one out in the top of the eight, Puerto Rico scored their fifth run of the game as Laforest bobbled a throw from Clapp at first base allowing Figueroa to score from third base. T.J. Burton then came in to strike out Leon and induce a ground out to end the inning with Puerto Rico up 5-2. Mike Saunders threw out Puerto Rican Centre fielder Jesus Feliciano trying to score from second base on a single to left to end the eighth inning and the threat of more Puerto Rican insurance runs, allowing Canada to go into the ninth inning down three runs. Box Score Schedule
Sunday action from the Baseball Canada Championships revealed who would compete for podium finishes. In late Saturday action from the PeeWee Boys Championship: New Brunswick defeated Saskatchewan 10-3; and Alberta topped Ontario 11-9. Alberta left fielder Curtis Mazurkewich went 2-for-4, with 6 RBI, and 2 runs scored, propelling his team passed Ontario. On Sunday, New Brunswick (2-3) battled B.C. (2-2) in the fourth place game, resulting in an 8-5 B.C. win. B.C.’s Tyler Barlow and Justin Sawatzky both chipped in with three hits apiece, propelling their team to a fourth place finish. Saskatchewan (1-4) also took on Newfoundland & Labrador (0-4) in the fifth place game, resulting in an 11-1 Saskatchewan victory. Chaise Cardinal and Matt Ring both contributed with fifth inning, two-run doubles helping Saskatchewan claim fifth place. The PeeWee Boys Semi-finals also took place Sunday, with Victoria (4-1) beating Alberta (3-1) 16-1 from Carnarvon East, while Ontario (3-1) fell 15-5 to Québec (5-0) from Carnarvon West. Victoria’s Matt Ney went 3-for-5, with two doubles, and two runs batted in, while Québec’s Mathieu Vertefeuille’s three run homer sparked his team’s offence passed Ontario. The Gold Medal Game will feature Quebec take on Victoria, while the Bronze will showcase Ontario versus Alberta. Final day Bantam Boys action was thrown a curve ball, Sunday, as inclement weather prevented fourth and fifth place cross over games from taking place. In semi-final play, however, Alberta (3-1) inched passed Québec (4-1) 1-0, while Ontario (3-1) defeated host Windsor (5-0) 6-2. The Gold Medal Game is schedules for 6:30 PM Sunday, and will showcase Alberta versus Ontario. The Bronze Medal Game will also take place Sunday, sechduled to begin at 4:00 PM. Alberta starting pitcher Steven Inch pitched a perfect game against Québec, striking out 15, and at one point 11 in a row. Ontario winning pitcher Mike Gottschalk threw 5.3 innings versus Windsor, striking out 11. Gottschalk also helped his own cause at the dish, going 3-for-4 with a home run. In Bantam placement game action, B.C. topped Saskatchewan 6-5, highlighted by Dillon Plaxton’s two home runs, and 5 RBI. Sunday Midget games from Summerside and Tignish, P.E.I. showcased two well-fought semi-final games: B.C. (3-1) narrowly topped Saskatchewan (3-1) 2-0, while Ontario (4-0) out lasted New Brunswick (3-2) 1-0. B.C. winning pitcher Jordan Padrinao surrendered two hits over seven innings, striking out nine, and walking just one, while Saskatchewan starter Matt Kostenick allowed just five hits two runs, only one earned, over his six innings to take the loss. Ontario pitcher Matthew Piccini hurled all seven innings, giving up just one hit and no runs, earning the win over New Brunswick. The Gold Medal Game, to begin at 7:00 PM Atlantic time, will feature B.C. versus Ontario, while the Bronze match-up, set for 4:00 PM Atlantic time, will showcase Saskatchewan take on New Brunswick. In other Sunday games: Québec (2-3) fell 14-6 to New Brunswick (3-2), but rebounded to defeat Manitoba (2-2) 6-3; and Alberta (2-2) beat Nova Scotia (1-3) 6-4. Québec third baseman Michael Page went 2-for-2 in his team’s win over Manitoba, chipping in with two runs batted in. Semi-final results from the Junior Championship showcased host Guelph (3-1) defeat provincial rival St. Thomas (4-0), representing Ontario, 14-3, as well as Québec (3-1) handing Manitoba (3-1) a 5-1 defeat. The two winning teams will play in the Gold Medal Game 8:00 PM Sunday evening, while the two losers will square off in the Bronze Medal match-up at 5:15 PM. In other final day action from the Junior tournament, Saskatchewan (0-4) out-lasted Newfoundland & Labrador (0-4) 4-3 in placement game action. In the Senior Men’s late Saturday game, Ontario 2 (2-2) prevailed 9-7 over Nova Scotia (2-2), setting up Saskatchewan (3-1) versus Ontario (4-0) and Ontario 2 (2-2) versus New Brunswick (3-1) as the tournament’s semi-final match-ups, Sunday. Earning a spot in the Gold Medal Game were Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, who defeated Ontario and Ontario2 4-3, and 8-3 respectively. New Brunswick left fielder Chris Sorenson contributed with 4 RBI, going 1-for-2 at the plate in the win over Ontario 2. For schedules, box scores, and more information on the Baseball Canada Championships, please visit www.baseball.ca, and follow the Championship link to your desired tournament.
Third day action from Baseball Canada’s Championship continued, Saturday, with a number of key match-ups. In Day 3 PeeWee Boys action, P.E.I. out-duelled Saskatchewan 10-7, evening their recordat 2-2; and New Brunswick shut out Manitoba 6-0. P.E.I.’s Tyson Phillips was 2-for-3, with 2 RBI, while Saskatchewan’s Travis Gerwing went 4-for-4 in the loss. New Brunswick second baseman Matthew Morton went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, helping pitcher Andrew Case earn the win. Case hurled seven strong innings, striking out seven, and surrendering just six hits. At Day 3 from the Bantam Boys Champioship: B.C. improved their record to 3-1, topping Newfoundland & Labrador 15-1; P.E.I. edged Manitoba 4-3; host Windsor maintained their lead over Pool A defeating Québec 7-2; and Ontario edged Nova Scotia 5-2 Highlighted performances included: B.C.’s Bryan Arthur was 2-for-4, with 3 RBI, and a double, helping his team defeat Newfoundland & Labrador. P.E.I.’s Alex Abbott went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, sparking his team’s offence passed Manitoba. Windsor’s Tanner Nivins hit two home runs, driving in four, and providing the necessary offence to beat Quebec. In Midget action from Summerside and Tignish, Prince Edward Island: Saskatchewan improved their record to 3-1, topping Newfoundland & Labrador 9-7 and Manitoba 5-1; Alberta defeated New Brunsiwick 8-1; Ontario had little trouble with Nova Scotia, solidifying first place in Pool A with a 17-0 victory; and B.C. fell 9-2 to Québec, yet managed to clinch first place in Pool B with a 3-1 record. Notable performances from these games included: Saskatchewan right fielder Brice Schaan went 1-for-2, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, edging his team passed Newfoundland/Labrador. In their second game, Sask. pitcher Tyler Riggs pitched all seven innings, giving up just three hits, and fanning seven for a victory over Manitoba. Alberta right fielder Sheldon McDonald and shortstop Micheal Cala each chipped in with 2-for-4, 2 RBI performances in a win versus New Brunswick. Ontario second baseman Brandon Neuman went 2-for-4, with an impressive 5 RBI in a win against Nova Scotia. In late Friday action from the Juior Championship, host Guelph topped Alberta 3-1, represented by the U of Calgary Jr. Dinos, in an extra inning affair. Guelph left fielder Nick Stahl went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, while pitcher Kevin Wallace hurled all eight innings, surrendering just three hits, one run, and stiking out 13 for the win. In Saturday Junior games: Manitoba out-lasted Newfoundland & Labrador 6-4, who also lost 4-3 to Alberta; Ontario beat B.C. 7-0; and Québec defeated Saskatchewan 9-2. Highlights from the games included: Manitoba second baseman Matt Chester went 3-for-5, with 2 RBI in a win over Newfoundland & Labrador. St. Thomas Tomcat starting pitcher Mike Damchuck threw a complete game two hitter, not allowing a run, and striking out six B.C. hitters. In Saturday Senior action: Saskatchewan beat Ontario 2 10-1; Québec evened their record at 2-2, defeating Manitoba 5-2; B.C. shut out host Brandon 8-0; and Ontario out-duelled Nova Scotia 9-5. Notes from the match-ups include: Saskatchewan third baseman Dusty Emberley went 3-for-4, with 4 RBI in a win against Ontario 2. B.C. starter Jordy Alexander threw a complete game one hitter, not allowing a run, earning the win against host Brandon. Ontario right fielder Thomas Grubb and third baseman Bryan Dufour each contributed with three runs batted in, sparking the offence passed Nova Scotia. For more information, please follow the Championship link on the Baseball Canada website at www.baseball.ca.
Second half action from Saturday determined who would be playing for the hardware on Sunday. At the PeeWee Championship from Victoria: Nova Scotia fell 11-3 to Ontario, but defeated B.C. 8-6; Quebec defeated Victoria 10-4; Alberta topped Newfoundland & Labrador 4-3; and Manitoba defeated P.E.I. 7-3. Game notes from these games included: Nova Scotia right fielder/pitcher T. Hall went 2-for-3, with 2 runs scored, an impressive 6 RBI, propelling his team passed B.C. Quebec right fielder M. Marcoux was 1-for-4, with 4 RBI, helping his team defeat Victoria. Manitoba right fielder K. Demers helped his team passed P.E.I with a 2 RBI performance. Late Saturday Bantam Boys games showcased: Alberta slugging their way to a win over New Brunswick 16-2; Manitoba topping Newfoundland12-4; Quebec out-dueling P.E.I. 7-3; Ontario bettering New Brunswick 9-2; Saskatchewan narrowly squeaking out a 3-2 win over Nova Scotia; and Windsor defeating B.C. 5-1. Highlights from those games were: Alberta starting pitcher Scott Gerun earned a complete game victory over New Brunswick, while helping his own cause with a lead off home run. Manitoba’s Elliot Desilets was 2-for-3, with 5 RBI in their win over Newfoundland/Labrador. Quebec’s Matthew Lightman earned the win over P.E.I., hurling three innings, and striking out three. Ontario’s Darnell Duckett smacked two home runs in a 2-for-3, 4 RBI performance. Nove Scotia pitcher Chris Stackhouse struck out 10 hitters in a notable performance against Saskatchewan. Windsor winning pitcher Brett VanPelt hurled a seven inning complete game, striking out seven in an impressive outing. Late third day Midget action from P.E.I witnessed Alberta having little difficulty with P.E.I., winning 10-2. Alberta first baseman Andrew Grafton went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored in a victory over P.E.I. Sunday Semi-Final Midget action will showcase Saskatchewan versus B.C., as well as the winner of New Brunswick and Quebec, who will take on Ontario. In late Sunday action from the Junior Championship in Guelph: Alberta beat Newfoundland & Labrador 4-3; Ontario shut out New Brunswick 5-0; and host Guelph kept Nova Scotia off the board, winning 3-0. Highlights from the games icluded: Ontario pitchers Curtis McCormick and Matthew Martinow, who combined to throw seven innings of shut out ball, allowing just three New Brunswick hits. Guelph Silvercreeks starting pitcher Luis Castillo hurled a no hitter versus Nova Scotia, not walking a hitter, and striking out 12. Sunday’s semi-finals will showcase Guelph take on Ontario, as well as Quebec versus Manitoba. At Sunday’s second half Senior games: Ontario 2 was shut out by New Brunswick 6-0; Manitoba narrowly topped Albera 6-5; and Saskatchewan outlasted Quebec 4-3. Game notes included: New Brunswick right fielder David Barr went 3-for-4, with an RBI in their win versus Ontario 2. Saskatchewan first baseman, Matt Gunning, and catcher Dillon Okrane each has 2 RBI in their win over Quebec. Sunday’s semi-finals will feature Saskatchewan versus Ontario, and New Brunswick taking on the winner of Pool B. For complete schedules, standings, and other information, please visit www.baseball.ca and follow the Championship link to your desired age category.
National Championship Week continued, Friday, with a number of important games being played. In late Day 1 PeeWee Boys action, B.C. came out on top 5-1 in their match-up with Newfoundland & Labrador. Winning pitcher Kyle Joel hurled a complete game four hitter, allowing just one run, while striking out 10. At the plate, Joel also provided the requisite offence, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. In Day 2 action from the Bantam Boys tournament: Alberta improved their record to 2-0, defeating Ontario 8-5; Newfoundland & Labrador fell 17-0 to P.E.I.; and Québec out-duelled B.C. 6-5. Alberta’s Dan Wiun was 2-for-3, helping pitcher Tom Muhlenthalev receive a win versus Ontario. In addition, notable performance from Thursday Bantam Boys action included: Alberta pitcher Steven Inch, who struck out 17 Nova Scotia hitters in a 9-2 win. Ontario’s Kevin Nickel went 3-for-3, driving in five, with a third inning grand slam, and a solo homer in the fifth. Québec’s Anthony Marandola went 2-for-3 with a home run, and 4 RBI. B.C. winning pitcher Jason Gibson struck out 10 Manitoba hitters in four innings of work. New Brunswick starting pitcher Robert Gallant hurled a complete game shutout, helping his team narrowly inch passed Saskatchewan. Host Windsor’s Laszlo Horvath went 2-for-3, with 2 RBI, chipping in with a double, and a home run. At the Midget Boys Championship: B.C. defeated P.E.I. 7-2, improving their record to 2-0; Ontario also remained undefeated, topping Manitoba 7-2 and Newfoundland & Labrador 12-0, improving their record to 3-0 thus far; Saskatchewan shut out Nova Scotia 3-0; and Québec topped Alberta 11-5. Highlights from those games included: B.C. centre fielder Jordan Padrinao went 3-for-4 at the plate, with 4 RBI. Ontario third baseman Brandon Neuman was 2-for-3, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored in a win versus Manitoba. In Ontario’s game against Newfoundland & Labrador, shortstop James Macklem went 2-for-3, with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Saskatchewan starting pitcher Sean Carrick tossed a complete game one hitter, striking out five, earning the win against Nova Scotia. Québec catcher Alexandre Gauthier was 3-for-3, with 3 RBI, and a run scored, helping his team hold off a late Alberta charge. In second day Senior action from Brandon: B.C. evened their record at 1-1, beating New Brunswick 6-1; and Ontario narrowly defeated Québec 5-3 B.C. first baseman Scott Nehaj stung New Brunswick pitching, going 2-for-3 at the plate, with 1 RBI, and 2 runs plated. Due to unfavourable weather conditions, Day 2 Junior action was postponed, Friday, to be resumed later in the day. Scores and highlights for those games will be reported in the second daily recap this evening. For more information, please visit www.baseball.ca and follow the Championship link on the left hand side of the page.
A number of vital games took place during Friday’s later match-ups. Day 2 action from the PeeWee Boys Tournament, hosted by Victoria, B.C. showcased: Victoria defeating P.E.I. 6-5; Québec improving to 3-0, beating New Brunswick 12-5; Ontario remaining atop Pool B with as 2-0 record, after topping Newfoundland & Labrador 8-1; Saskatchewan beating Manitoba 14-4; and B.C. defeating Alberta 13-2, sitting at 2-1 in Pool B. Notable performances from the PeeWee Championship included: Victoria’s Luke Hawkins was 3-for-3 at the dish, starting a seventh inning rally with a single in the final frame, and sparking his team’s offence passed P.E.I. Ontario's Michael Landsdowne went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Aaron Palmer smacked a two-run homer. Saskatchewan starting pitcher Nolan Dezotell hurled all five innings, and ripped a 2 RBI double in a win versus Manitoba. B.C. smashed four home runs off Alberta pitching, as Jarod Bartnik, Mitchell Harrington, Justin Sawatzky, and Lucas Cops all went yard in the win. Friday Bantam action witnessed: host Windsor shutting out Manitoba 10-0, and topping Newfoundland & Labrador 8-2; Saskatchewan defeating Alberta 10-7; Nova Scotia evening their record at 1-1, decisively winning their game13-7 against rival New Brunswick; Québec keeping their unbeaten streak alive, beating Manitoba 4-0; and B.C. taking care of P.E.I. 11-0. Highlights from the games included: Windsor catcher Larry Balkwill picked off two would-be base runners, and erased three base stealers in the host’s win over Newfoundland & Labrador. In addition, teammate Tanner Nivins belted two home runs, going 2-for-3, with 5 RBI in the game. Saskatchewan’s Tyler McWhirter went 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting the game winning home run, and driving in six runs versus Alberta. Nova Scotia scored 12 runs in the sixth inning, fighting back from a 7-1 deficit, to overcome New Brunswick. Québec starting pitcher Etienne Nollet pitched a complete game shutout, striking out four in a win against Manitoba. B.C starter Michael Ellis fanned 10 P.E.I. hitters in just four innings in a mercy-rule shortened game. In later Midget action, B.C. defeated New Brunswick 6-5; P.E.I. inched passed Québec 2-1; and Manitoba out lasted Nova Scotia 7-5. In their win over New Brunswick, B.C. catcher Carson Vitale was 2-for-3, with 3 RBI, and a run scored. Friday Junior games, postponed due to rain, saw New Brunswick come away with an 11-3 win over Saskatchewan. Fredericton Leon’s Vikings right fielder Mike Burns, representing New Brunswick, provided the offensive spark, going 2-for-4 at the plate, with 2 RBI, and a run scored. In other Junior action: Québec shut out B.C. 8-0, but later fell 2-1 to Ontario; Newfoundland & Labrador failed to score, dropping 10-0 to Nova Scotia; Manitoba defeated Alberta 8-2; and B.C. out-slugged New Brunswick 13-12. At the Senior Men’s Championship, Ontario 2 improved to 2-0, defeating the MSBL Host Brandon 4-1. Wining pitcher Victor Simon pitched a complete game six hitter, surrendering just one earned run, helping Ontario 2 move atop the Pool B standings. In other Senior action from Friday’s second half: Alberta pushed themselves ahead of Nova Scotia 9-7; Ontario improved to 3-0, defeating Manitoba 13-7; and host Brandon dropped to 0-3, losing 7-2 to New Brunswick. For more information, please visit the Championship link on Baseball Canada’s website, at www.baseball.ca
Five Championships kicked off Thursday: PeeWee Boys hosted by Victoria, B.C.; Bantam Boys in Windsor, ON; Midget Boys from Summerside, P.E.I.; Junior held by Guelph, ON; and Senior from Brandon, MB. At the PeeWee Boys Championship, Ontario was victorious in their game against B.C., winning 9-5. Ontario pitcher D. Broll gave up just five runs over seven innings, striking out 10, for the complete game victory. In addition, Broll helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI. In Bantam Boys action, Alberta out-duelled Nova Scotia 9-2, while Ontario defeated Saskatchewan 6-0. At the Midget Boys Championship, Nova Scotia got off to a solid start, defeating Newfoundland/Labrador 9-1. In other Midget Boys action, New Brunswick beat Québec 2-0 in a nine-inning nail biter, while Ontario out-matched Saskatchewan 14-4. New Brunswick pitchers Duncan Cronk and Ben Higgins teamed up to allow just one hit each, fanning eight, and not allowing a run, while Québec starter Jean-Francois Ricard hurled an impressive eight innings, surrendering just three hits, striking out seven, and not allowing a single run for the no-decision. As well, British Columbia began their bid for the Junior Championship title by defeating Saskatchewan 7-4, while Manitoba topped host Guelph 6-3. Representing B.C., Victoria Jr. Mavericks’ third baseman Joey Roberts went 2-for-2 in the contest, scoring once, and driving in two. In addition, Québec defeated New Brunswick 11-1 in six innings, highlighted by designated hitter Jimmy Durette, who was 3-for-4, with 3 RBI in the game. In Senior action from Brandon, MB, Ontario got off to a hot start, beating Alberta 16-0, in a mercy rule-shortened, five-inning game. Ontario left fielder Dave Mastrodicasa was 3-for-4 at the plate, with 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Ontario pitchers Steven Carp and Derek Papp combined to surrender just two hits while striking out five. In other Senior play, Saskatchewan fell 3-0 to New Brunswick, while Nova Scotia shut out Québec 4-0. New Brunswick right fielder David Barr was 3-for3 in the game, driving in all three runs, and helping pitcher Josh Collins get the win. Collins gave up just two hits, no walks, and struck out five in an impressive outing. Nova Scotia pitcher Jason Bailey pitched a complete game shut-out, surrendering just five hits, walking just one, and striking out five. For more information regarding Baseball Canada’s Championships, please visit the Championships link at http://www.baseball.ca/eng_doc.cfm?DocID=145
The Honourable Michael D. Chong, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Opening Ceremonies of the Junior National Tournament, hosted by Guelph, ON. Baseball Canada Vice-President Linda Lewis, Guelph MPP Liz Sandals, Guelph Mayor Kate Quarrie, and Tournament Chairman Larry Pearson, accompanied Mr. Chong, who was the Chief Information Officer for the National Hockey League prior to his 2004 election. In the game that followed, Guelph defeated Newfoundland/Labrador 3-1 in a well-pitched, defensive game. Winning pitcher Jason Muller hurled a complete game five hitter, surrendering just five hits, and striking out seven. In addition, Guelph catcher Mike Lajoie was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI in the game. In other Junior action: Alberta narrowly edged Nova Scotia 6-4; and Ontario defeated Saskatchewan 2-1 in a fine display of pitching prowess. Highlights from those games include: St. Thomas Tomcats’ pitcher Craig Bate, representing Ontario, hurled a complete game three hitter, allowing just one unearned run, while striking out 11, and earning the win. On the losing end, Regina Athletics’ starter Todd Glemser, representing Saskatchewan, fanned nine, giving up two runs, of which only one was earned. Day 1 PeeWee Boys games saw: Québec defeat Saskatchewan 18-4 in a shortened five-inning game; host Victoria out-slugging Manitoba 17-3; P.E.I. narrowly topping New Brunswick 5-4; and Alberta doubling up on Nova Scotia 12-6 Notable performances included: Québec’s N. Hazma went 2-for-2, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, in a win against Sask. Victoria left fielder, Matthew Ney, and centre fielder, Alex Dumais, both contributed with 4 RBI apiece in their game against Manitoba. P.E.I. first baseman C. MacNeill went 2-for-4, with 3 RBI, helping his team come away with a win. In Day 1Bantam Boys action: Newfoundland and Labrador fell 15-1 to Québec; B.C. had little trouble with Manitoba, winning 12-1; and New Brunswick squeaked out a 1-0 win over Saskatchewan. In later first day action from the Midget Championship: B.C. edged Alberta 6-2; Manitoba shut out Newfoundland and Labrador 9-0; and New Brunswick out slugged P.E.I. 7-0. Turning in impressive performances: B.C. starting pitcher Matthew Atkinson hurled 5.3 innings, striking out eight, and surrendering just one earned run on four hits for the win. Reliever Russell Taylor finished the remainder of the game without giving up a hit or run Manitoba catcher Kiel Armstrong turned in an impressive effort, going 2-for-4 at the dish, driving in two runs. New Brunswick right fielder Dan Reid was 2-for-4 in the contest, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. The second part of Day 1 at the Senior Men’s Championship saw: Ontario 2 defeat B.C. 6-4; Saskatchewan beating host Brandon 5-4 in an extra-inning affair; and Québec winning 5-1 in their match versus Alberta. Highlights from these games include: Ontario 2 first baseman Shaun McGuire’s clutch 3 RBI performance, sparking the offence. Saskatchewan starting pitcher Ryan Koback pitched seven innings in the tight game, giving up just two hits and three runs, turning the ball over to team mate Dave Morari, who came in to pitch the eighth and take the win. Québec designated hitter Nicolas Matte went 2-for-4, driving in two runs, helping to alleviate Alberta pressure. For more information on Baseball Canada’s Championships, please follow the Championship link on www.baseball.ca to your desired Championship.
KISSIMMEE, FL – Ryan Radmanovich (Calgary, Alta.) was 3-for-3 with a homerun, a double, three RBI and two runs scored to lead Baseball Canada’s national senior team to a 6-3 win over the United States, today in the team’s final tune-up for the America’s Olympic Qualifier. After the U.S. took an early 2-0 in the first inning, Radmanovich cut that lead in half with a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning. However, Canada did most of its damage in a five-run fifth inning when shortstop Kevin Nicholson (Vancouver, B.C.), Radmanovich’s regular season team-mate with the Atlantic League’s Somerset Patriots hit a one-out bases loaded double to right-centre field to score Mike Saunders (Victoria, B.C.) and Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.) and give Canada it’s first lead of the game at 3-2. The next batter, Radmanovich, took the first pitch he saw from American reliever Nick Adenhard deep to left-centre for a two-run double of his own and a 5-2 Canadian lead. Pierre Luc Laforest Hull (Québec) added an RBI single to left to cap off the scoring in the inning, which saw Canada send nine batters to the plate. For the second straight day, Canada’s bullpen was virtually untouchable, pitching scoreless ball for the final five innings in the shortened seven inning exhibition affair – Its only blemish being a Bryan LaHair solo homerun off the scoreboard in right centre field given up by Mike Johnson (Edmonton, Alta.) in the fifth. Mike Kusiewicz (Ottawa, Ont.), who was credited with the win, Chris Mears (Victoria, B.C.) and T.J. Burton (Ottawa, Ont.) also pitched in relief of starter Eric Cyr (Montréal, Qué.). Saunders and Boucher were both 1-for-3 with one run scored while Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) was also 1-for-3. Canada will travel to Havana Thursday afternoon and will begin their quest for a second straight berth at the Olympic Games when they open their Olympic Qualifying schedule against the United States Saturday at 9 p.m. EST. Box Score Schedule Roster
KISSIMMEE, Fl – Baseball Canada announced, today, the addition of right-handed pitcher Chris Begg (Uxbridge, Ont.) to its roster for the 2006 Americas Olympic Qualifier. The 6’4”, 195-pound 22-year-old is 12-10 with a 3.53 ERA with the Connecticut Defenders of the Double-A Eastern League this season, his fourth with the San Francisco Giants affiliate. Begg, a 2003 Eastern League All-Star, will be making his fourth appearance with a national team program after having represented Canada at the 2003 Olympic Qualifier, the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the 2005 CONCEBE Baseball Regional Olympic Qualifier and most recently at the World Baseball Classic. Undrafted, Begg took the back door into the Minor League ranks. After playing NCAA baseball for the Niagara Purple Eagles where he won the 2001 Metro Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Year award, Begg played for three separate independent teams. He was eventually signed by the Giants and he began to produce immediately in the minors by going 9-1 with a 2.30 ERA in his first season with the Navigators. Begg’s performance at Connecticut (formerly Norwich)earned him a spot in the 2003 Arizona Fall League and enough notice from Canadian officials to make the 2004 Canadian Olympic Team. DRAFT HISTORY: Signed by the independent Johnstown Johnnies of the Frontier League in June, 2001 - Signed by the independent Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs of the Northeast League in June, 2002 - Signed by the independent St. Paul Saints of the Northern League in June, 2003 - Purchased by the San Francisco Giants July 9, 2003 Complete Roster Schedule
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